MINNEAPOLIS, MN - A devastating three-alarm fire has left four individuals in critical condition, causing significant damage to a downtown Minneapolis apartment building late on Tuesday night. The incident unfolded on South 11th Street and East 15th Avenue, situated within the Elliot Park neighborhood, just four blocks south of U.S. Bank Stadium.

Assistant Fire Chief Melanie Rucker of the Minneapolis Fire Department reported that emergency responders were promptly dispatched to the location around 9:42 p.m., following initial reports of the blaze. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the flames originating on the third floor of the building, prompting swift action to rescue several residents who were trapped in their apartments. Utilizing ladders, firefighters successfully rescued individuals hanging precariously from their windows at the rear of the structure.

The gravity of the situation was further highlighted as two adults and a teenager sustained injuries from burns, requiring hospitalization. Additionally, another adult was treated for smoke inhalation. The victims' conditions were reported as serious, underscoring the severity of the incident.

In an emotional interview, resident Hokiscala Cante Ma Yuha Metcalf shared his relief upon being reunited with his beloved dog, Coco, following the harrowing ordeal. The family's brown Labrador had been trapped within the burning building for an estimated two to two and a half hours. Metcalf expressed his gratitude, stating, "We kind of sadly kind of almost gave up, and you know, we're just praying, hoping to see her again... But as of 15 minutes ago, she came out... They gave her an oxygen tank for a long time there and she's pretty responsive, so I'm pretty thankful for that."

As part of the evacuation efforts, two buses and the Red Cross were promptly summoned to provide assistance and support for displaced residents. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined as investigations continue, leaving many residents and officials eager for answers and seeking closure for those affected by this unfortunate event.